Showing up
Social roles are the different roles we play in life that help define who we are and add value to our lives. They come with responsibilities and expectations from others – whether it’s being a child, parent, partner, volunteer or member of a club. These roles reflect what is important to us.
Throughout the day, we shift between roles – such as worker by day and friend or partner by evening. These roles not only enrich our lives, but also deepen our connections with others. By taking on different social roles, we can share our strengths and contribute to our communities.
To support people to fill a variety of social roles of their choosing, we should facilitate a broad range of opportunities to experience and take on different roles in their communities, to develop skills and behaviours to fill them and encouraging them to “show up” in the roles they already hold.
Helping a friend in need, celebrating a family member, collecting mail for a neighbour on vacation or contributing to a community event help people nurture relationships and build social capital.
In addition to experience, education, and exposure, we suggest expectations. When we expect people to show up, they will. Having responsibilities and expectations for each other motivates us and strengthens our connections.
Resources in this section include tips on supporting people to show up for others, skill-building, joining clubs and groups, and finding places in the community where people can share their strengths.
Map it out!
Exercise: Mapping Social Roles and Exploring New Opportunities
This exercise helps people identify where they can share their interests and strengths in the community while exploring new social roles they might want to develop. The goal is to empower the person to recognize how their gifts can contribute to the community and to encourage them to step into roles that align with their skills, interests, and values.
Download Mapping Social Roles and Exploring New Opportunities
Community Exploration- Identifying Strengths, Interests, and Social Roles
Supporting people to level up their social roles
To support people to develop their social roles, it’s important to take their strengths and interests and connect them to meaningful roles in their community. This means focusing on what people want to do, and finding opportunities that align with their gifts, strengths, and talents.
From role to valued role:
- Simple to service roles: A person might begin as a member of a church or club and gradually take on a more active role, such as volunteering as a greeter or event helper.
- Family roles: A family member might start as an “uncle” or “aunt” who casually interacts with their nieces, nephews, or niblings, but with encouragement and support, they can evolve into the “fun uncle/aunt” who brings the best games or snacks to family gatherings.
- Community connections: A person might initially volunteer at a local charity in a low-key role but then take on more responsibility, such as leading a community project or offering skills in an area they’re
Tips for supporting people to show up and level up
Identify strengths
Have a conversation about what excites them, what they enjoy doing, and where they feel confident. This helps you pinpoint where they can add value in a community setting.
Leverage interests
Look for opportunities that align with their interests. If they love animals, maybe they would enjoy volunteering at an animal shelter or organizing a local pet adoption event could be a fit.
Encourage small contributions
Sometimes, just “showing up” is the first step. Start small, like attending a community event, and then gradually support them to take on more active roles once they feel comfortable.
Find roles that match skills
When someone has specific talents, help them connect those abilities to roles that are needed in their community. A person with artistic skills, for example, might volunteer to design flyers or banners for a local event.
Support skill-building
Support the person to gain the skills they need to take on the roles they want. This might involve taking a class, working alongside someone who already has the skills, or practicing the task in a supportive environment until they’re ready. If they want to lead a community event but feel unsure, support them in practicing how to plan an event or delegate tasks before they take the lead.
Celebrate contributions
Recognize and celebrate the small wins along the way. Whether it’s their first time leading a group or just attending an event, acknowledging their progress will build confidence and motivation to keep showing up.
Be a connector
Introduce them to people in their community who share similar interests. This helps to expand their social network and gives them the opportunity to explore new roles through social connections.
Helpful Extras
Social Roles – Leading Practice Guidelines, Abilities Manitoba
Practical Tips to Support Social Roles – Article, CQL The Council on Quality and Leadership
The Power of Social Roles – Blog, Disability Rights Nebraska
Social Roles: Why you seem different to different people – video, Psy vs. Psy